I Editor's Letter J.Arc That Vexing Vote T he freedoms we celebrate each Fourth of July will play out big time when we vote later this year. Were it not for our representative democracy, America would be a very different place. Despite our sometimes poor choices in balloting, our political system works more times than not. That the U.S. Constitution has only been amended 27 times in 234 years is a tribute to the vision of our founding fathers in imagining the most resonant form of government. The Constitution doesn't compel cit- izens to be involved politically or even to vote. We can ignore Election Day, if we want, without losing the right to challenge the records of elected offi- cials or to just cast our dissent. But this great land of ours works best when the people are informed, engaged, tb. 14110 questioning and open-minded — and when they vote. Our government is Robert Sklar only as responsive as the public ser- Editor vants we elect. Voting is a privilege, not just a responsibility. Unfortunately, too many of us take it for grant- ed; in many parts of the world, people have never experienced a democratic election's bounty. In the quiver of politics, we Jews don't flail; we vote! We still vote overwhelmingly Democratic, but at least 25 percent of us now vote Republican and more of us have become Independents. We're not predictable, nor should we be. We no longer have a clearly distinct voice on domestic issues or Israeli politics. And that's okay; robust and responsible debate typically reaps dividends. We Matter Because only 1 percent of the American population gets involved in political par- ties or runs for public office, Jewish political involvement does have an impact. It does so not only through active support of candidates and issues, but also through heightened Jewish influ- ence overall. Significantly, Jews make up 2 percent of the U.S. population, but vote in far greater proportion than many eth- nic groups. Yes, we're divided on some issues, but we acutely understand the democratic franchise to form opinions, embrace issues and be part of a vibrant political process. Diverse as we are, Jews still have a political agenda that res- onates in substantive areas like equal rights and social justice, not just foreign policy. The agenda includes: • Religious issues — such as church-and-state separation, autopsy limits and kosher food fraud. • Senior issues — such as how we choose and fund services (the Jewish community has a higher percentage of elderly than the population as a whole). • Labor issues — such as workplace discrimination because of ethnicity or gender. • Human right issues — such as European anti-Semitism, Sub-Saharan Africa genocide and Third World hunger. • Education issues — such as tuition-funded school vouch- ers and support for public education. Vulnerable Jews are at great risk locally — our older adults who are frail, who have a disability or who are on fixed income; our special needs community; our young families struggling to meet their expenses. More and more Jews are turning to Federation and its agencies for support, stressing those resources. So please: Ask candidates how they would aid the most vulnerable groups among us — and whether they comprehend how Jewish communal services blend with public and private funds as well as highly organized volunteer efforts. Foremost on the Jewish agenda is an independent, secure, prosperous Israel with internationally recognized borders and a peaceful coexistence. This outcome would assure the future Jewish character of the tiny, but oh-so-courageous country for generations to come. Accountable Congress With Michigan's 15-member congressional delegation up for election this year, the Jewish vote will be key; candidates surely respect that. Congressional issues with a Michigan twist are plentiful: economic stimulation to create jobs and expand business; federal support for Detroit regional initia- tives that strengthen economic and social ties (such as an Ann Arbor-Metro Airport-Detroit rail line); development of the aerotropolis concept to transform the Metro-Willow Run airport corridor into an economic powerhouse. All of these issues have the potential to make Southeast Michigan more attractive for young professionals, who we desperately need more of. The Jewish community has been hard hit by the flight of young adults to trendy urban hotspots. The congressional agenda also includes reinforce- ment of the special and strategic relationship between Israel and America, tenuous at the moment given the Obama administration's dangerous indifference toward the West's staunchest ally in the embattled Middle East. Congress also must be at the forefront of strong, effective sanctions (and military awareness) against Iran and its nudear ambi- tions; be resolute in the fight against global ter- rorism, especially from Islamist extremists and deceptive mosques that jeopardize the West, Israel and Jews everywhere; be undeterred in upholding such reeds of liberty as religious freedom, civil rights, a free press and free speech; and be unbowed by the sham that is the United Nations when it comes to legitimate, fair arbitrating. Also, U.S. Supreme Court nominees are always a high priority. The Big Picture The Detroit Jewish community has 58,700 people of vot- ing age, according to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit's 2005 population study. That number is perhaps 50,000 today, still large enough to sway an election. Jewish stakes relative to foreign policy are high. Jews must challenge candidates about Israel's security needs, homeland security threats, anti-Semitism's metastasizing and American involvement in the Middle East. These can't be the only con- siderations for Jews before voting in the primary on Aug. 3 and in the general election on Nov. 2 — but they certainly must rank near the top of the list. Li THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED The Kids Are Al! Right AND FOR SUPPORTING JARC! OUR VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO GARY GILBERT GiLBERT FILMS - THERE ARE MANY WAYS FOR ALL AGES TO GET INVOLVED WITH JARC! Call or email Lindsey Fox-Wagner at 248-538-6o10 x349 or lindseyfoxwaaner4jorc.ora for more information. We hope to hear from you. lilt jam www.jarc.org • 248.538.6611 JARC 30' ANNUAL FALL FUNDRAISER 0 : Are you registered to vote in this year's elections? I- zz Are candidates open enough 6 a, about their positions? W FISHER THEATRE